Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Breck

Breckenridge is one of the best places to ring in the New Year with a torchlight parade, fireworks and parties at local bars and restaurants.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to do and some tips to enjoy a festive and safe New Year’s Eve. Our number tip is to NOT drink and drive. Leave the driving to the professionals. Breckenridge’s free town bus system, the Freeride, usually offers special late-night service on New Year’s Eve. Uber and Lyft are also available in Breck. Or, there are plenty of taxi services. Our other top tip is to book everything in advance, especially dinner reservations. Many of the top restaurants and parties will sell out. (Here’s a link to our recommendations for the best fine dining restaurants)

Grab your noisemakers and party hats and get ready to countdown to midnight.

Photo credit: David. Unsplash

Torchlight Parade

Breckenridge Ski & Ride School hosts a torchlight parade that lights up the slopes every New Year’s Eve from the top of Peak 9 almost down to Main Street. It’s a must-see and you can usually view the parade from almost anywhere in town. The resort also offers a kiddie version of the parade – called the Glow Worm parade – for children 5-13, who must register in advance. A great spot to view the parades is right at the base of Peak 9, either at Beaver Run’s Coppertop restaurant or at Main Street Station. Heads up. The parades are dependent on the weather. So, check in advance.

New Year’s Eve fireworks

Photo credit: Breckenridge Tourism Office

The fireworks are one of the town’s most popular New Year’s events. People stream out of the bars, restaurants, hotels and houses at 9 p.m. to watch the display and celebrate together. The fireworks display is usually visible from most locations in town. Make sure you check the weather. The show is dependent on clear weather.

Dinner Date at one of Breckenridge’s restaurants

Four-course dinner at Relish, Traverse Restaurant. Other restaurants typically offer a special holiday menu – like Hearthstone, Briar Rose. Many of the restaurants sell out, so make your reservations as early as possible. Ask if they’re offering anything special – like a champagne toast or dessert.

Contact the Welcome Center for an updated list of specials

Kid-Friendly Dinner

For a kid-friendly dinner on New Year’s Eve, go early. Popular restaurants, like Downstairs at Eric’s typically close early on this festive night. Several of the hotels, like Beaver Run, offer a buffet. Or, get a babysitter and enjoy a romantic or raucous evening on the town. Mountaintop Children’s Museum typically offers an event just for kids and has recommendations for local babysitters.

New Year’s Eve Parties

Photo by Yutacar on Unsplash

Breck likes to throw a party. And, New Year’s Eve is one of the best reasons to celebrate with champagne or craft beer or both. Cecelia’s is a popular spot for dancing in the new year, but typically charges a cover for New Year’s Eve. Other bars like Blue Stag, The Brown, The Gold Pan Saloon and Napper Tandy’s usually feature live music or a DJ. Most bars offer drink specials and a champagne toast.

No matter where you decide to celebrate in Breck, raise your glass, say cheers and enjoy a fun and safe start to your New Year.